How dry we are! Red Flag Warnings explained

A large portion of northern Illinois was under a “red flag warning” Tuesday. But what does that mean? On Tuesday afternoon, WNIJ’s Susan Stephens called Northern Illinois University meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste to get an explanation.

Sebenste says a red flag warning is issued when high temperatures, low humidity, and winds combine to create a serious danger of brush or forest fires.

Winds must exceed 15 mph

Relative humidity has to be below 25%

There must be at least a few weeks of very dry conditions

Listen to the interview with Sebenste to hear how to behave while under a red flag warning, as well his forecast for some relief this week.